Very Common
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Under-Run Heels, Long Toe & Low Heel
Summary
Ideally, the front of the hoof wall (dorsal hoof wall) is the same angle to the ground as a line splitting the pastern (pastern angle). The heel angle should also be approximately the same angle to the ground as the dorsal hoof wall angle.
In reality, however, the angle of the front of the hoof is much lower than the angle of the pastern, the toe seems long and the heel seems low. These imbalances may worsen at the end of the shoeing cycle. This is a very common and sometimes serious problem that predisposes horses to a variety of lameness conditions. It is more common in front feet than hind feet, and more common in Thoroughbreds than in other breeds.
Proper management of long toe/low heel and underrun heels may help maintain soundness. For that reason, it is important to recognize and manage this condition even if it is not accompanied by lameness now.
In reality, however, the angle of the front of the hoof is much lower than the angle of the pastern, the toe seems long and the heel seems low. These imbalances may worsen at the end of the shoeing cycle. This is a very common and sometimes serious problem that predisposes horses to a variety of lameness conditions. It is more common in front feet than hind feet, and more common in Thoroughbreds than in other breeds.
Proper management of long toe/low heel and underrun heels may help maintain soundness. For that reason, it is important to recognize and manage this condition even if it is not accompanied by lameness now.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment- Even if the horse does not appear to be lame to you.
- If you want information on how to manage horses of this conformation to reduce the likelihood of lameness.
your role
What To Do
Stand your horse as squarely as possible on a flat, level surface. Now, looking from the side, compare the two front feet. Does the pastern angle line up with the dorsal hoof wall angle? Does the angle of the heel approximate the angle of the dorsal hoof wall?Take photos from the side. Is there digital pulse or heat in the hoof? Assess lameness at the walk and trot. Share your findings, concerns and photos with your vet and farrier.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet will assess hoof conformation in light of many factors, and may recommend a lameness exam. Even in the absence of lameness, your vet may want to work with your farrier to manage this problem to help prevent or lessen the possibility of lameness developing later.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- What is the status of your horse's hoof care and shoeing?
- Can you describe the stabling and footing?
- Do you work with a farrier that you trust and can communicate with?
- What level of work is the horse being asked to perform?
- What is the horse's age, sex, breed and history?
- What type of riding is the horse used for?
- Does this horse have a history of lameness?
- Do you notice lameness now?
- What treatments have you tried and how did they work?
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Very Common
Less Common
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
